Input Needed

[LA12]

Hey guys. I am a huge NBA fan like most on realgm.com. I am also a big Portland Blazers fan. We have a poll running on our team board wondering what everyone thinks of how our team measures up. Most everybody has 'homer goggles' on to a certain degree so of course, it is difficult to ask such a question like this to fans of the team.

I was hoping that those with an outside perspective on our team, could take the time to take our poll and tell us how good or bad we are as it stands today.

Thanks for your time

Link - http://www.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=931672

[TAI8]

I think with the Miller signing that they are on the cusp of being legit contenders. They already made great strides last year winning 54 games, securing the #4 seed, and tasting much needed playoff "cake". Miller is an up tempo PG and allows them to pick up the pace when necessary (they were near dead last in pace last year IIRC). They basically added a good veteran PG to provide experience, leadership, and a steady hand to one of the youngest squads in the league. Their offense was already elite last year and the rest will fall squarely on Oden's shoulders to see if their defense improves to the point where they become legit contenders. Portland truly has a bright future ahead of them.

[Donald Kaufman]

The Miller signing leaves them with Bayless, Blake and Rodriguez at the point, right? Does this mean they have no faith in Bayless and Blake will be the backup? PG was their weakest position, now with Miller they look a lot better.

What's not to like about the Blazers? They're now strong at all positions, well coached, and they've drafted very well. If they retain their core the sky's the limit.

[SApuro_]

The Miller signing leaves them with Bayless, Blake and Rodriguez at the point, right? Does this mean they have no faith in Bayless and Blake will be the backup? PG was their weakest position, now with Miller they look a lot better.

What's not to like about the Blazers? They're now strong at all positions, well coached, and they've drafted very well. If they retain their core the sky's the limit.

+1

I would only add if Oden can contribute the sky is the limit.

[Donald Kaufman]

Blazer fans might have Sam Bowie 2.0 on their hands with Oden, something I'm sure they're not keen to re-live.

I really hope he can remain relatively injury-free, because the potential for greatness is obviously there, he just needs to gain confidence.

[Nolan]

I'm not a big fan of the Miller signing, its just not a good fit for that team. But putting that aside I still think the Blazers have a great looking young team thats going to be competive for a long time. They need to improve their defense but they have the players to build a solid defense around.

[co_laper]

It all really depends on Oden. Not on offense, but on defense. He needs to be a VERY GOOD defensive center for the Blazers to be a legit title contender. Otherwise, they'll be 2nd tier contenders unless Aldridge turns into Garnett.

[Donald Kaufman]

That's not going to happen. He's no better than KG now, so he'll never be as good as a prime KG.

[SApuro_]

KG is on the downside of his careers. His knees are worse than TD's. Aldridge has a bright future and will help make Portland competitive for years to come.

[co_laper]

What I meant was Portland needs Oden to live up to his potential or have Aldridge be as good as Kevin Garnett. Their games are alike in a lot of ways but if he turns into Garnett both offensively and defensively, Portland is definitely a title contender.

[Blame Rasho]

I think Bayless should be their point guard, but that is just me...

Miller is a free throw and in shooter and doesn't spread the floor. I know the Blazers had money to spend, but sometimes you shouldn't spend because you have money to spend.

Oden has been a bust. I remember someone posted what good having a 10 inch cock if you can't get it up. Same thing... what good is it to be so hyped and have so much potential but be gimpy. Oden needs to show something for the blazers to be special.

They are very deep nonetheless... they should be a dark horse to make the WCF.

[the southern dandy]

I think Portland's potential to be dominant is frightening. Even if Oden continues to struggle and Miller is a bad fit that team will still be a 50+ win team.

[Donald Kaufman]

Potential is only good for so long before expectations start to rise and fans get impatient.